Items filtered by date: November 2017

While not widely known, falls are the leading cause of accidental death among those aged 65 and older and the number one cause of hospitalizations. It is estimated that 31 billion dollars are spent annually on medical costs related to fall injuries. While it may seem that falls are inevitable among the elderly, they can be prevented. Discuss with a doctor any potential side effects of medication you are currently taking, as certain drugs may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo that can lead to falls. Enrolling in an exercise program is a great way to not only retain but gain strength, balance, flexibility, and durability. Avoid living a sedentary lifestyle; if a fear of falling is preventing you from going outside, it is recommended to talk to someone. Wear shoes that are properly fitted and provide traction. Make sure your home is clear of debris on the floor and has good lighting and handrails. During the winter months, it is also recommended to keep a cell phone on you. If you need to prevent ice buildup on your outdoor pathways, use plenty of salt or ice-melting products to get rid of ice. Finally, letting someone know where you are going in the winter and giving them an estimate of how long you will be is a good idea.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

While high heels are considered to be fashionable to many, they are known to be bad for your feet. The higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the balls of your feet. High heels also tend to not provide enough room for the toes and the forefoot. This can lead to conditions like hammertoe, Morton’s neuroma, calluses and corns, and can exacerbate bunions. They can even cause health problems for the back and legs. If you still want to wear high heels, try to wear shorter ones and only wear them for a short period of time. If possible, bring another pair of shoes that are shorter in heel height and provide support for your feet. Flats and sandals generally do not provide support for your feet, so it is also recommended to wear those for as little as possible as well.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Dez Bryant, wide receiver of the Dallas Cowboys, has recently sustained an ankle sprain during the Cowboys and Kansas City Chiefs game. Bryant has said that the ankle sprain is just sore and slightly-bruised, and that he will be back out on the field soon. The Cowboys were able to defeat the Chiefs 28 to 17. Bryant has previously sustained foot injuries, including a broken foot back in 2015.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Blisters are no fun, especially when you’re hiking and they develop on the feet. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to help prevent them in the first place. Make sure your shoes properly fit and provide cushioning, support, and toe space. If you know of areas where you are likely to get blisters, such as on the back of the heel, cover these spots with medical tape or bandages. Doubling up on socks, or wearing liner socks under your regular socks, can help prevent friction, which is the cause of blisters. Furthermore, changing your socks daily is necessary to help prevent moisture buildup and keep them dry; this is especially true if your feet get wet. When you are finished hiking for the day, take your shoes and socks off to let your feet air out.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact one of our podiatrists of Family Foot and Ankle Care of Moriches. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Moriches and Shirley, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.